Manchester United’s stance on Andre Onana has been revealed as the Cameroonian is subject to interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Altay Bayindir has started the season as Rúben Amorim’s starting shotstopper, having barely played for Manchester United before the Portuguese manager took over from Erik ten Hag.
Many thought that Bayindir would be dropped after the Arsenal game due to his error that led to the only goal of the match, but Andre Onana has been forced to play backup in the opening Premier League matches.
The former Ajax goalkeeper started in the embarrassing Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town, and was back amongst the substitutes for Burnley’s visit to Old Trafford.
While Onana may have fancied his chances to displace Bayindir during the season, this task has been made more difficult due to the acquisition of Senne Lammens on Deadline Day.
The Belgian isn’t expected to become the first-choice from the very outset, but he will force Onana off the bench and leave him as the third-choice goalkeeper at the club.
Onana could still leave United
Just a few years ago, Onana was awarded Man of the Match in the Champions League final as his Inter Milan side narrowly lost out to Manchester City. But he now must face life as Amorim’s third-choice or leave United for pastures new.
While the English transfer window closed on Monday evening, the transfer windows remain open in Saudi Arabia and Turkey until the 10th and the 11th of September, respectively.
Graeme Bailey – via TBR Football – has revealed that “interest is growing” in Onana, with Galatasaray one of a number of clubs interested in the goalkeeper. Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad are two clubs said to be “keen” to sign the United shotstopper.
Bailey said: “United have informed Onana that he can find a new club, with a loan the most likely, but United are open to a sale if possible.”
Onana has to leave United this summer
With Bayindir and Lammens competing for the starting spot, Onana is very unlikely to see much game time this season, especially after the Carabao Cup exit.
Other senior goalkeepers at United include Tom Heaton and Dermot Mee, who are also unlikely to play for the first team, but they will not be happy being fourth and fifth choice in the pecking order.
With Radek Vitek and Elyh Harrison on loan, Onana will also be struggling for minutes next season, as both young goalkeepers could be ahead of him in Amorim’s plans.
If United want to make any more additions this season – in the January transfer window – Onana needs to be sold before the end of the summer, so United can make a fee and save wages before the next transfer opportunity.
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